Civics & Democracy

LAist’s coverage of civic life and citizen issues in Southern California. We cover elections, examine who gets listened to and why, and provide a guide for anyone who wants to more fully participate in civic life.

Close up a white t-shirt being worn by a person. On the t-shirt is a blue outline of the state of California with the words "Tax the billionaires" superimposed

California unions, hospitals strike deal — but billionaire tax heads to ballot

Hospitals and a healthcare union have agreed to pull rival initiatives from the ballot, but a proposed one-time 5% tax on billionaires remains headed to November voters.

Inglewood’s video billboards score a major win in court battle with stadiums

A low angle view of a person walking down a sidewalk past a vertical digital billboard. On that side of the street are apartment buildings and homes, and across from it is a movie theater and a stadium at the corner.

Judge orders Huntington Beach to adopt 'ranked-choice' voting to settle dispute over Latino votes

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Aerial view shows the ocean in the foreground with a long pier with a red-roofed building at the end. Beyond the beach you you see homes and buildings.

Local advocates respond to Supreme Court ruling on refugees: ‘How do you prepare to say goodbye?’

A person holds a sign that reads "Protect TPS" as they stand in a crowd. A large stone building is in the distance.

This new California law lets you give public officials a piece of your mind — remotely

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People gathered in a meeting chambers as a large screen projects "Corruption Has No Place in OC!" and "#DoMustGo"

More Stories

Meet The Candidates For Nury Martinez’s LA City Council Seat

The candidates include a city council staffer, two community organizers, the head of a housing nonprofit, the head of the San Fernando Valley NAACP, and three people in private business.
Looking At The New Year For Smoother(?) LA Politics

We checked in with Controller Kenneth Mejia and LAist’s Frank Stoltze to preview how officials could work together in 2023.
In LA, The Rise Of The Asian American Progressive

Newly-elected Kenneth Mejia joins Councilmember Nithya Raman as some of the city’s most visible Asian American progressives.
LA Has A New Mayor. Take LAist’s Survey And Set The Agenda You Want To See

Karen Bass takes over as L.A.'s mayor on Monday. Tell us what challenges feel most urgent to you and what advice you have for the new mayor.
LA City Council In 2023: Your Guide To Who's Who (And What They Do)

New faces are in and longstanding members are gone. We help you understand who's who and what's next.
Superior Court Results: What We Know So Far In The Judges Races

Watch this space for live results.
Live General Election Results From Los Angeles, LA County and California

Follow all the latest results in key races from L.A. mayor and L.A. County sheriff to ballot measures, congressional contests and more.
LA City Council: Who's Running In The 2022 General Election And Why It Matters

Your guide to the L.A. City Council candidates and issues in the Nov. 8 general election. Still on the ballot: Districts 5, 11, 13 and 15.
LAUSD School Board: Who's Running In The November General Election And Why It Matters

The pandemic and movements for racial justice introduced new pressures that have the potential to scramble LAUSD school board politics.
LA County Board of Supervisors: Who's Running In The November 8 Primary Election And Why It Matters

Bob Hertzberg and Lindsey Horvath are vying to represent District 3. The winner will join a five-member board that oversees a county of about 10 million residents, more than the population of most states.
LA Superior Court Judges: Who's Running In The Nov. 8 Election And Why It Matters

Evaluating judicial candidates is notoriously hard, but there are a few pieces of information you can look at to help with your decision.
How Do I Register To Vote?

The deadline to register to vote in California for the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 24, 2022.

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Civics & Democracy